DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum EJ Bibbs

Uncharted waters: What Cleveland Browns tight end E.J. Bibbs learned from the most traumatic day of his life
Link
Tom Reed, Northeast Ohio Media Group By Tom Reed, Northeast Ohio Media Group
Follow on Twitter
on August 23, 2015 at 6:00 AM, updated August 23, 2015

Uncharted waters: What Cleveland Browns tight end E.J. Bibbs learned from the most traumatic day of his life
Browns' Dwayne Bowe: 'We're going to show a lot of doubters how a high-powered offense really moves'
Duke Johnson says hamstring won't derail Browns' big plans for him: 'I can live up to it'
Johnson Bademosi, Marlon Moore have special purpose on roster: Cleveland Browns training camp observations

All Stories

BEREA, Ohio – Frightened and fatigued, E.J. Bibbs reached the shoreline and glanced over his shoulder at the chaos unfolding behind him in the choppy waters of LaSalle Lake.

A fishing boat carrying Bibbs, his father and his high school football coach had capsized on a chilly morning outside of Chicago in 2010. The senior spotted the coach swimming to safety, but nearly a minute passed before he located his dad, Emmanuel, looking disoriented about 30 yards from lake's banks.

The happy trio had been casting for catfish when the wind began to gust and waves lapped into the boat. While the teenager scooped water out of the craft, the effort proved futile. His coach asked if he could swim.

"I could swim to stay alive," said Bibbs, the Browns undrafted free agent, recounting the frantic events a week ago.

His plunge into the cold water accidentally caused the boat to overturn. Emmanuel tumbled into the lake and the vessel struck him on the knee and side of the head.

Bibbs had survived the dangerous streets of the city's South Side by always listening to his parents, a pair of Sheriff's deputies. He averted trouble and blossomed into an NFL-caliber tight end thanks in part to a healthy respect for authority.

As Emmanuel bobbed in the water, his son yelled, "I'm coming to get you." His father protested, shouting, "no, stay there, stay there."

Bibbs chose to disobey Emmanuel's commands. The decision altered the course of two lives.

XXX XXX XXXX

Here's what the Browns should know about the Iowa State product, one of training camp's most pleasant surprises: Bibbs will clean broken glass off fields for the privilege of playing on them.

Manicured swatches of grass aren't plentiful around inner cities. Bibbs' middle-school practice grounds were adjacent to railroad tracks. Rocks and bottles were routinely hurled onto the field and players had to "comb" it before practices.
father.jpgBrowns tight end E.J. Bibbs described his father as his best friend. He swam to rescue him when their fishing boat capsized in 2010.Bibbs family archive

"It's just what we did," said the 6-foot-2, 258-pounder with the full face, thick frame and flowing braids. "It's just Chicago."

Bibbs will do whatever he's told, whatever it takes. He's "come out of nowhere" in the words of Browns coach Mike Pettine to share the team lead with five pre-season receptions, netting 43 yards. He's also played fullback for the first time in his life as presumptive starter Malcolm Johnson nurses a shoulder injury.

Iowa State's Paul Rhoads labels him "one of the most selfless players I've ever coached." Bibbs learned the meaning of sacrifice growing up in a household with three sisters: Keke, Markita and Alexis.

"It's always been about taking care of family and representing your last name," he said.

Emmanuel and Debbie instilled the importance of accountability and principles. Bibbs literally ran errands for the family. His mother timed his trips to the store and if he were gone for more than five minutes she came looking for him. His parents knew the temptations hanging around the corners of every block. Emmanuel had been involved in police standoffs. He had knives pulled on him.

Bibbs was forbidden to wear earrings or get tattoos as a youth. Baggy pants and gang colors also were prohibited. There was one other rule: "No messin' with girls."

Emmanuel had been a promising baseball player who drew interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates. But when Debbie became pregnant with the couple's first child at age 19 the uncle who raised Emmanuel told him to forget about baseball and find a job to support his future wife and daughter.

Sitting on a bench outside the Browns' locker room, the memories of his father pour from Bibbs' mind.

"A lot of kids didn't have their dads around," he said. "My mom and dad played a great role in my life."

Emmanuel taught his son to block and tackle. He taught him right from wrong. He also taught him one other valuable lesson: how to swim.

XXXX XXX XXX

The father had been in the water for more than 10 minutes, weighed down by a heavy coat, blue jeans and boots. The life jackets stashed under the seats of the boat had been forgotten.

The blow to the head momentarily had dazed Emmanuel. Twice he sunk to the bottom of the lake, which measured eight- to 12-feet deep where the vessel had capsized. The father had hung onto his fishing rod and used it to propel himself back to the surface.

He was exhausted and frantic, consumed with worry about his son's welfare. His energy depleted, Emmanuel barely kept his head above water. But when he saw Bibbs abandoning the safety of the shore, the father began to swim toward him.

"It was overwhelming," Bibbs recalled. "It was just shocking at the time to think I could lose my dad on a boat."

XXXX XXXX XXXX

His family moved from the city prior to his senior year. Bibbs could have attended a suburban school and improved his chances for a scholarship offer.
sibs.jpgBrowns tight end E.J. Bibbs has three sisters, Keke, Markita and Alexis,Bibbs family archive

Bogan High won just a handful of games during his first three seasons. The wide receiver-linebacker remained loyal to the program and his team went undefeated his senior year, qualifying for the playoffs.

The realities of life in low-income neighborhoods, however, can make happy times fleeting. Three prep teammates are dead, according to Bibbs' family members, and five or six others have been incarcerated. Bibbs' stayed focused on his studies, earned his degree and walked on at the University of Iowa. He never took a snap with the Hawkeyes, though, due to late a ACT score.

Although Bibbs' attended classes, he grew frustrated with the gridiron inactivity. He transferred to Arizona Western College, a JUCO school in Yuma, which had a history of funneling players back into top-flight schools.

Coaches converted him into a tight end and Bibbs caught 22 passes his sophomore season while blocking for a squad that rushed for 1,750 yards. At Arizona Western, Bibbs befriended a fellow Chicagoan and 2015 second-round pick named Randy Gregory.

But Bibbs was lonely in the desert and without a car.

"It was horrible," he recalled. "It was too hot for me. All I did was play football, hang out and watch movies. It was so far from Wal-Mart or really anything."

Mostly, Bibbs missed family, especially his father, the man he considered his best friend.

XXXX XXXX XXXX

As a kid learning to swim in hotel pools on family vacations, Bibbs required a push or a nudge from his father to get going. On the most traumatic day of his life, just the image of Emmanuel in the water was enough to take the first stoke.

Bibbs journeyed about 10 to 15 yards before reaching his father, who was swimming furiously toward him. The youngster dragged dad to safety. Father and son lay on the shore wrapped in each others embrace.

"Yeah, I thought I was going to die," said Emmanuel, 47. "When I knew E.J. had made it to shore that's all I cared about. I was good. I was so tired and I was ready to give up.

"When I saw him come after me, that's what gave me the strength to keep going. He saved my life by coming back after me."

XXX XXX XXX

After the Browns' intra-squad scrimmage in Columbus on Aug. 7, Bibbs searched for his family in the stands.

As Pettine praised his performance, which included catching a touchdown pass from Johnny Manziel, Bibbs reached over the railing at Ohio Stadium and clasped his father's hand.
mom-dad.jpgBrowns tight end E.J. Bibbs flanked by his parents, Emmanuel and Debbie, in Cleveland. Bibbs family archive

Emmanuel had never seen his son so emotional.

"He kept saying, 'Dad, I did it,'" Emmanuel said.

His father has been there every step of the way. They spoke almost nightly during those trying times in Yuma. It was Emmanuel, who talked him into honoring his commitment to Iowa State after Oklahoma and Nebraska came with late offers.

Dad saw an opportunity for Bibbs to play right away with the Cyclones. He caught 84 passes for 844 yards and 10 TDs in his two seasons. He also earned first-team Big-12 honors in his senior year and graduated with a degree in liberal studies.

"He is so athletic and he can do great things in space," Rhoads said. "When the game was on the line everyone knew where the ball was going. He would be bracketed by defenders and still find a way to make the play. He rarely got tackled by just one guy."

A late-season injury and "not running well" at his pro day, however, hurt his draft stock, the coach said.

Bibbs was stunned not to hear his name called on May 2 and slammed his cell phone to the ground after the draft concluded. Emmanuel was there again to ease his son's disappointment.

He received several free agent offers, including one from the Browns. Rhoads had been part of a University of Pittsburgh staff with current Cleveland tight ends coach Brian Angelichio and raved about Bibbs' ability.

Emmanuel scoured the Browns' depth chart and knew the club was in need of tight-end help after former Pro Bowler Jordan Cameron left in free agency.

"As he was leaving for Cleveland (in April), I told him 'go play your ass off and I don't want to see you back around this house (in the fall),'" Emmanuel said.

There's no guarantee Bibbs, 23, makes the team despite a strong pre-season start. He's getting mostly second- and third-team reps behind veterans Gary Barnidge, Rob Housler and Jim Dray. Pettine said the Browns have asked plenty of Bibbs, including learning multiple positions.

"He has proven that he has an NFL skillset," Pettine said Saturday. "We'll see how it plays out."

Emmanuel has attended both exhibition games in Cleveland and looks forward to the final one, Sept. 3, in the family's hometown Chicago.

After a recent practice, Bibbs recalled his days growing up in the Windy City and the fateful morning on the water. He realizes how different his life would have turned out had his father not summoned the strength to keep paddling to shore.

Bibbs has never dreamed about the accident, but has occasionally looked at his dad and said with a grin: "Want to go fishing on a boat?"

Gallows humor aside, Bibbs admits to a lesson learned in the choppy waters of LaSalle Lake when the only thought in his mind was "swim, swim, swim."

"It's why I'm always telling my parents I love them because you never know what might happen," he said.

E.J. Bibbs once needed a push from his best friend to swim in a hotel pool. Now, he navigates uncharted NFL waters with confidence.

Wow, great read. I don't know how good of a football player he is but he's got character.

He became a favorite of mine after his first catch. I was watching and thinking who is THAT guy! I hope he becomes our #1 tight end and lights it up all year.

Same here ... he's got the knack to play hard, make guys miss, and make plays I think.

He could be our #1 TE of the future

I believe the kid may be our single biggest weapon on offense as the season unravels. The kid has so much talent. His hands engulfs the football and he fights for every inch. I saw this kid make some amazing plays in college and I think he will be better at this level.

There's little doubt he makes the 53. Hopefully he becomes an impact player for us.

He's got character so you know he'll work his tail off.

I've been impressed with his play making ability. Most every time he does something to get every inch available.

I'd rather keep him than housler and his dropsies

j/c: Mourg pimped this kid early. Good heads up by Mourg because the kid looks like a player.

After reading this, how can you not root for the kid. I hope he not only makes the team, but has a solid rookie season!

Oh wow, what a solid read there. I started liking this kid before that, but now it's like i want to root extra for him.

From what I've seen, between him, Dray or Housler - I'd take Bibbs. He just keeps showing in thus far. He's turning into the player I like to watch on the offense these preseason games.

Again though, great read.

Yet the team released a new depth chart today and he's still listed third (so is Dwayne Bowe, and he's not listed as injured)

Preseason (or regular season) depth charts have little to no meaning.

Part of that impact is raising the bar for other players to be more consistent in full motor effort. Some of the offense doesn't seem hardwired into the effort thang.

Then why would the coaches/GM make any changes to it at all then? Just keep it the exact same every time right now

I'm not certain but I think they're required to report a depth chart.

You're correct dubs, they are required to provide one. But my question is ... if it means nothing, then why ever change players' positions on it? I mean something had to cause some shifting

I am sure they report changes as they happen. The problem is teams run rotations at all the non-QB skill positions these days.

In some cases the 3rd string guy might get nearly as many snaps as the listed starter.

At this time of year I think coaches use the depth chart as a motivational tool.

That wouldn't surprise me

What's a EJ......Not gonna do it......

He has actually looked really good, but it's just pre-season.

He's a favorite of advanced stats guys. He's leading the NFL in preseason missed tackles.

He has six missed tackles, all other tight ends combined I think had 16 I heard on 92.3. Pretty darn good especially factoring he's a bigger guy.

Bibbs is the kind of player I like to root for. His story reminds me of at least 2 players acquired last year, Chris Kirksey & Gabriel. Their stories indicate high character guys and while I know you win in the NFL with talent, I think class shows on the field and many times becomes visible when times are tough.

I am very hungry for a winner, but I don't want it at the costs of loading a team with thugs and attitude problems.

I'd take just about any player if it meant being a winner. Granted, I don't want to read about our guys getting arrested/hitting women/etc ... but if signing Ray Rice and Mike Vick meant going to the playoffs, where's my pen

So...

Now that he's made the team, who think we'll see more Bibbs than Housler? I'm not sure why we have four TEs.

Gary/Jim/Bibbs should be locks. Rob made some nice catches this preseason, but I'm curious why his targets were so low for a guy that supposedly has some gears to go through and speed to fly.

How in the world do you split reps up between four TEs? Gary is likely our most versatile TE, factoring his nickname is "Big PLay Gary" and he does make big plays and he's a solid blocker - then you Jim who is IMO an outstanding blocker, but still has very reliable hands and then there's Bibbs and Housler.

Housler, got beasted on bad when I did zero in on him blocking. Sure to have missed a lot of reps of him blocking, but what I did see was ouchy... very ouchy. So he's just a pass catcher? How does that fit in? Especially when his speed didn't allow him to get open evidently against second and third team defenses....

JMO

One of the tight ends will be cut within the next week.

I don't know if it will be in the week, but I agree one will be gone soon. I think we know we have some value there and are holding out for a trade offer.

We have zero value there. Housler, the player who will likely be cut, was signed for next to nothing. Dray was in the same boat last year. Barnidge and Bibbs have proven nothing.

EJ has shown some raw talent though. Barnidge has also been solid, man.

If we were to make Bibbs available in trade, the best we would get is what we got for West. So I guess I lied, we have some value there, but it is as close to zero as possible while still being "value."

Yeah I missed that "trade value" thing. My bad.

for some reason i thought you were talking about their value or potential value as players for us.

I disagree even though I liked your comment. I think both Dray and Baridge hold value. Some team is holding out for us to make a cut. Maybe we can wait a little longer then they can.

I don't see any team that would ever trade for a player like Dray or Barnidge.

I think Housler is in greater jeopardy than Bibbs.

I have a weakness for pass catching TE's. That is not Barnridge or Dray's game. Don't give up on a TE that can catch the ball and can move.

Agreed. I think Housler is the first guy cut

I tend to agree with this. I see neither one as anything special, or even above average. I think teams can find guys right now not on any roster that are equivalent to those two, or close enough, to just sign him instead of trading for one of Dray or Barnidge.

I tend to agree with this. I see neither one as anything special, or even above average. I think teams can find guys right now not on any roster that are equivalent to those two, or close enough, to just sign him instead of trading for one of Dray or Barnidge.

Have you been watching Gary any??